Bright Lights and Tall Buildings

New York City is called a city of concrete caverns, a creation of its iconic skyscrapers both old and new. Your trip to the Big Apple isn’t complete unless you visit these must-see skyscrapers. Check them out.

The Flatiron Building on Fifth Avenue is one of the city’s oldest skyscrapers. The 23-foot story structure is a standout with its triangular design, similar to an old-fashioned flatiron. Famous photographer Alfred Stieglitz compared it to the bow of an ocean liner. Other well-known visitors to the site include Diane Keaton, who appeared here in the film “Reds” and Matthew Broderick, who was onsite for the 1999 version of “Godzilla.”

The Empire State Building – (ESRT) in midtown is the iconic New York skyscraper. The building has been a favorite location for such diverse films as “King Kong” and “Sleepless in Seattle.” It’s also the biggest certified Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) building in the country. The 102-story structure was the tallest building in the city for decades only surpassed by the Twin Towers. Its famous visitors are legion and represent a variety of notoriety including singers Andrea Bocelli and Boyz II Men, chef Anthony Bourdain and boxer Amir Khan, who have all toured its observation deck. Look for it to light up in colors that reflect seasons, sports teams and special events.

While the Empire State Building is the most famous skyscraper, the Chrysler Building is considered the most beautiful with its elegant Art Deco design, a combination of eagles, sunburst motifs and even radiator caps in honor of the company whose name it bears. Photographer Margaret Bourke-White famously perched on one of the eagles to shoot the city from this vantage point. Though not open for tours, visitors can take a look at the lobby.

One World Trade Center sits at the site of the Twin Towers, destroyed in the 2001 terror attacks. Part of a complex to commemorate those lost, it includes the National September 11 Memorial, the twin Reflection Pools and St. Paul’s Chapel, all of which were visited by dignitaries including President and Mrs. Obama and President and Mrs. George W. Bush. Tourists to the building can see a bird’s eye view of the city from the observation deck.

These skyscrapers are just a start. The city is a work in progress and there’s always more to explore. It’s easy. Just keep looking up.